CYP Upper: Absorbed in our learning

Absorption has been the focus of the week. We have discussed some ‘top tips’ to help us become absorbed and have realised that absorption is not just concentrating or giving something focused attention; it also involves an enjoyment and engagement with what is being learned. This week in assembly, we spoke about barriers to enjoyment and how we might overcome these. We know that sometimes when we feel challenged in a task and that this can lead to us feeling discouraged. We also know that changing this pattern involves a change in mind-set to allow us to be comfortable with the struggling and grappling that occurs when we learn something new. Our motivation for this is knowledge of how good it feels when we finally understand a concept or are successful in a task!

In Collective Worship, we have also continued to consider the concept of Trust. In class, children heard the story of ‘Gopala and the Cowherd’ a story from the Sikh faith, a story about the power of trust.

School Council

Well done to our amazing Class Representatives that form our School Council. They will be meeting Mr Shipley to share their desired school improvement goals for the year and plan a strategy to meet their targets. Congratulations to:

Eco-Council Elections

Do you want to help the school become more sustainable? Do you have an interest in environmental issues?  If so, why not apply to be a member of Cypress’ Eco-Council? The council will be led by Ms Wadham-Powell. One member from each class will be voted into the council. If you are interested, please fill out the manifesto on the reverse of the Eco-Council letter heading home today. Manifestos should be ready to deliver to the class on Thursday (6th). After this, children will vote on their preferred candidate and names will be announced in assembly on the following Monday (10th).

Macmillan Coffee Morning

We were very proud to host a Macmillan Coffee this morning. This amazing charity supports the lives of those living with cancer. Thank you for all of your kind donations for the event. It was lovely to see so many of you at the coffee morning today at the Lower School. We have also been selling donated cakes at break time and after school at the Upper School.

Year 3 Crystal Palace Park Trip

Our Year 3 children had their very first school trip at the Upper School on Thursday. They visited Crystal Palace Park, building on their work in the classroom on Benjamin Waterhouse -Hawkins and the Crystal Palace. Look out for a news story on the outing with full details and photos!

Cypress Superstars

A huge well done to Eira and Meredith who have been exceptionally busy creating Viking long boats for their thematic project homework. They used different coloured fabrics to create the patterned sails, oar ports and oars, shields along the sides and a fierce-looking dragon heads which were included on ships to offer protection from sea monsters, bad weather and sickness. The result is very impressive (see our gallery). Levy has been learning to read and write English; he impressed us all with sentences relating to a picture he had been given and  he read them out perfectly. Well done, Levy – keep up the dedication to learning; you’re making great progress!

Parking on Neighbouring Roads

Please can all Cypress families ensure that they park courteously on surrounding roads.  We have had some complaints from neighbours and have also unfortunately witnessed some of our parents blocking pavements and parking illegally.  No parking is permitted at the entrance to the park, as the entrance has been narrowed by Croydon Council.  We are also aware that there are some temporary lights on Auckland Road which is contributing to congestion.  We encourage families to walk, cycle or take public transport to school wherever possible.  If you can’t avoid driving then please park safely and legally.

Have a great weekend

Mrs Carpenter and the Upper School team